AMTA Celebrates 2022 Driver Appreciation at Eight Locations

Over eight days in September, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), along with Alberta Sheriffs, volunteers, and sponsors, came together to express appreciation – on behalf of all Albertans – for commercial drivers.

“Truck drivers have always provided essential services that keep the supply chain healthy and moving our economy forward,” says Willie Hamel, AMTA Interim President. “These folks work long hours away from home, carry huge responsibilities for getting the job done safely, and are the ones who, literally, keep things moving on our roads.”

These professionals ensure residents and businesses have what they need for their day-to-day lives – from the groceries and supplies on our shelves to the shoes on our feet to inventory for businesses of all types and sizes.

AMTA’s annual Driver Appreciation Days are a small way to say a big ‘thanks.’

Driver Appreciation Days are part of National Trucking Week, a time each year when Canadians across the country recognize the many significant contributions made by the 400,000+ professionals who, every day, facilitate the safe and efficient transport of people and goods.

“AMTA engages with its members by handing sponsor-branded swag to drivers,” says BJ Zoobkoff, who works for XTL Transport and volunteers at the events near Strathmore and Coutts.

“The first year I volunteered, I thought it was just that: handing out swag to drivers to say ‘thank you.’ But it is much more than that. The smiles in return are heartwarming and make me grateful that we have helped put a smile on so many faces when so many drivers are stuck in a truck – away from their families – for much of the year.”

Delia Colquhoun, a marketing specialist with AFD Petroleum, volunteered at the Leduc event and echoed Zoobkoff’s sentiments.

“AMTA Driver Appreciation Days is an event that is dear to the hearts of all AFD employees,” she says. “Our business is built around fuel delivery, and we could not do it without the men and women who choose to drive as a career.

“AFD enjoys supporting events that show appreciation towards drivers, and while we could have simply donated items for goodie bags, we wanted to be part of the volunteer crew that helped put the bags together and hand them out to the drivers. It gave us a chance to say – in person – ‘thank you’ and ‘we appreciate you’ to the drivers who were surprised by this goodwill gesture. We are grateful to AMTA for hosting this wonderful event and allowing us to be a part of it.”

Driver Appreciation events took place between September 9 and 19 at eight commercial vehicle inspection stations across Alberta (Jumping Pound, Ardrossan, Coutts, Dumore, Whitecourt, Demmitt, Strathmore, and Leduc).

The Association extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Caron Transport, the lead sponsor of AMTA’s 2022 Driver Appreciation Days.